Submarine detecting buoy



Feb. 26, 1946. M'. F. NEUHOF 2,395,679

SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 F-BQ INVENTOR. IWAV/V/C' F/Yew/a;

Feb. 26, 1946. M. F. NEUHOF 2,395,579

' SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I l w i HM (W11 ATZZFAZ'ZI Feb. 26, 1946. M. F. NEUHOF 2395,57g

SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mai/c5 E/VFVHOF BY y 1 IN VEN TOR.

Feb. 26, 1946. M. F. NEUHOF SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 26, 1946. NEUl-[QF 2,395,679

SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Maw/Wa E VM/ra:

BY 7 if? WWW.

Feb. 26, 1946. F NEUHQF 2,395,579

SUBMARINE DETECTING BUOY Filed May 11, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Hill WWMM Patented Feb. 26, 1946 UNITED srA'rs OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to anchored signal stations, and more particularly to a buoy having means for receiving sound and translating it into electric radiant energy.

In accordance with my invention I provide a buoy including a float and a body mounted thereabove and arranged for receiving electric mechanisms. lizer weight connected with an anchor and secured to the lower surface of the float. The stabilizer weight serves to keep the buoy in a stable position, regardless of the movement of the water caused by wind or current.

The buoy of the present invention comprises means for receiving sound and operating a transmitter in accordance with the intensity of the received sound. In accordance with my invention a plurality of buoys are anchored in the vicinity of the shoreline in a prearranged manner,

each of the buoys being designed for detecting and indicating remotely the presence of any submarine. Preferably, each buoy is provided with means for distinguishing the intensity of the sound caused by a submarine according to its distance from the buoy. The buoy may e. g. have electrical and mechanical means for detecting and indicating the presence of a submarine within five miles, three miles and one mile from the buoy. If the buoys are spaced at a distance of less than five miles, the approximate position or direction of movement of an enemy submarine can be plotted by comparing the intelligence received from two or more buoys.

To this end each buoy has e. g. three insulating tapes provided with perforations arranged according to a predetermined code. Each of the three tapes is adapted to operate a transmitter. The transmitter then radiates the prearranged code represented by the perforations of the selected tape by means of a selective mechanism which is responsive to the received sound. A mechanical or electrical time switch may be used for disconnecting the transmitter from its current source s6 that the transmitter only radiates within predetermined periods of time.

Furthermore, an apparatus is provided for disconnecting the transmitter in response to predetermined electric signals received from friendly ships or submarines. Such predetermined signals are transmitted on a prearranged wave length and in predetermined sequences, corresponding to a code. This code may be changed periodically,

It is accordingly an object of my invention to provide an improved buoy having means to keep The buoy preferably comprises a stabi-.

it buoyant in the water and in a stable position regardless of the weather, Another object of the invention is to provide a buoy having watertight compartments for housing electric mechanisms and accumulators for the operation thereof, and a stabilizer weight for keeping the buoy in a stable position. Still another object of the invention is to provide an electric system housed in a buoy and including a transmitter, a receiver and a sound-controlled mechanism for operating the transmitter in dependence upon the intensity of the received sound. These and further objects of the invention will become more apparent when the description proceeds taken in connection with the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a buoy embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the buoy of Fig. 1 with parts broken away and taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the buoy taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1 and illustrates the electric mechanism in the watertight compartments of the buoy.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line l i of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction of the float.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1 and showing the construction of the pear-shaped body which houses the electrical mechanisms.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a spring contactor in its operative position and its associated insulating tape.

Fig. '7 is a side view of one of the buoy compartments illustrating the spring contactors, tapes and associated mechanisms for selectively operating the transmitter, parts being broken away,

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the mechanism of Fig. '7 for selectively operating the transmitter in dependence upon the received sound.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of one of the insulating tapes for transmitting code signals and associated parts, taken substantially on the line S9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of three insulating tapes bearing coded perforations.

11. is a schematic electrical diagram of the transmitter and receiver circuits.

Fig. 12 is a front view of a stabilizer weight attached to the buoy to keep it in stable position in the water.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5, the buoy of the invention comprises a substantially cylindrical float, generally indicated at 253, and a pear-shaped body 2! mounted thereabove. Pear-shaped body 2| has eight sustaining girders 22 to 29 clearly shown in Fig. 5. Each of girders 22 to 20 consists of a T-beam. The top of pear-shaped body BI is formed by spherical calotte 30 which serves for 32 rotatably mounted thereon.

35 form an interior space which is subdivided by plate 38 into two upper chambers. 40 and 41. In a similar manner a lower compartment 42 is formed below plate 35 and above plate 43. Plate E3 is supported by ring. 44 which in turn. is secared to girders 22 to 2.9 Pear-shaped body 21 is enclosed by a metal skin 45 between float 20 and circular plate 34.

Compartments db and 4-I are provided with door se secured to skin t5 by hinges 51. Door 46 is further provided with two latches 43 engageable with noses 50 on skin 45'. Door 46 has a lock plate 5i engageable with hook 52 which may be locked by a key locker. As shown in Fig. 8, door fihas rubber inserts 5 5 to assure that compartments 4% andv II are watertight. The lower compartment 32 houses av plurality of accumulators 5-5 which are secured by any suitable fastening means 56. Compartment &2 is provided with door 51 having hinges 58. Door 51 is latched by latches 6'0 engageable with noses 6 I Lock plate 82 engages with nose 63 which may be locked by a key locker. Door 51 is also provided with a watertight rubber insert 04 for making compartment 42 waterproof. Upper plate 34 is provided with a vertical antenna 65 which is electrically connected with a receiver as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. Loop antenna 65 is substantiall ring-shaped and is connected with girders 212, 2d, 26 and 23 by insulated members 61. Ring antenna '56 is hooked up witha radio frequency transmitter. Float 20, shown particularly in Figs. 2 and 4, is enclosed by metal skin 10 which is reinforced by four in tersecting sustaining girders ll; l2, l3- and 14. Each of girders 1| to i l is substantially rectangular}. as. illustrated in Fig. 2. Ring is secured to girders 22 to'29 as shown in Fig. 4 and supports circular plate it for reinforcing the body and float structures clearl shown in Figs, '2 and 3. Girders 22 to extend below float 20. Hook 11' is secured to ring '48 which in turn is fastened to girders 22 to 29. Float 23 has a hook 80 secured --to its lower portion, on which cable Si is fastened. Hook 'I'I' supportschain 02 which in turn sustains pulley 83. Cable 8I having one end secured to hook 80 is guided over pulley 83 and supports pulley 8 3 which is illustrated in Fig. 12 Pulle 8 11s arranged between hook 80 and pulley '83 and is connected by means of hook 85 with central rod 85 supporting weight 81. Two rods 8'0 are secured between plates 90 and ill. By removingv screws 92 rods 38 may be removed, and

by unscrewing screw as plate 90 may be removed to exchange weights 81'.

The free end of cable BI is provided with an anchor, not shown in the drawings. When the buoy of the invention is anchored, pulle 8'4 and weights 3'1 serve as a stabilizing. means. They insure that the buoy always floats above the anchor, regardless of the weather. Float 20 is connected with pear-shaped body 2I by curved reinforcing members 95.

Compartments 30 and M and the mechanical and electrical equipment housed therein are shown in greater detail in Figs. 7 to 9. Compartment GI houses three electro-magnets I00, iilI and 02 which are energized by a relay to be described hereinafter. Armature plates I04, I05 and I06 are. arranged to be attracted by electromagnets E00, IBI and W2, respectively. Armatures Ill, I65 and we are secured to rods I08, I69 and m, respectively, which are passed tlnrongh appropriate holes in bracket III. Rod I is secured to carriage H2, as shown particularly in Fig. 9; Carriage H2 has a U-shaped cut-out H3 through which rods I00 and I00 are passed. Carriage II 2 has two wheels H5 rolling over rails H5. As shown in Fig. 6, carriage H2 bears. insulating plate IIB above which contactor leaf spring H1 is mounted by stud screw IE8. Cable I20 is electrically connected through stud screw H8 with contactor spring H1. Carriage. H2 is. urged by spring l2! bearing against plate H122 to the left of Fig. '7. Carriage I23, mounted on wheels I2 5, is connected with rod Hi9. Carriage G23 has a cut-out for passing rod I08 therethrough. Carriage I23 has a contact or leaf spring, similar to the one shown in Fig. 6. Spring I25, bearing against plate I25, urges carriage I23 to the left of Fig. '1. Carriage I21, mounted on wheels I28, is connected with rod I08 and is normally urged by spring I30- bearing against plate I31 to the left of Fig. 7.

I Rod I32 is rigidly mounted on standards I-33 and I34; Three insulating blocks I35, I36 and I31 are secured by screws I38 to rod I32. Block I35 bears a metal plate I40. clearly shown in Fig. 6', which is connected with cable MI by screw M2. Insulating tape I43 moves below plate I40 of insulating block I35. l ape M3 is guided by rollers I44 and 'I 45- shown in Fig. 9. Roller I 44 is secured to shaft I l-6 journalled in bearings I41 and I48, Roll-er M5 is mounted on drive shaft I50 journalled in bearings 'IEI and IE2. 'Motor Ilit'drives shaft I5 0 through gearbox 155. Tape I43 is further guided by idle rollers r and I56. Insulating. block 136 is associated with insulating tape I which is driven and guided in a similar manneras tape M3. Tape I61 is arranged below insulating block I31. The tape and spring contactor mechanism described in connection with Figs. 6 to 9; operates as follows.

Supposing electro-magnet I02 is energized, it will attract its armature I06 causing a movement of rod 0' towards the right of Fig. '1. This in turn causes movement of carriage H2 towards the right against the action of spring I2I until contactor leaf spring I I1 is below metal plate I40 of insulating block I35. Perforation-s provided in insulating. tape M3 allow leaf spring H1 to contact plate lei] and thus to connect cable I20 with cable MI. Similarly, if electro-magnet IN is energized, it willattract its armature [05, causing a movement of carriage I23 towards the right against the action of spring I25 until it is positioned below tape I60. Energizing of electro-magnet I00 causes movement of carriage I21 towards the right for cooperation with insulating tape IBI. v

Carriage I I2 is connected with rod I65 by means of bracket I65. Rod I65 hasa slot I61; to provide a sliding connection witheccentric I10, journalled by means of screw I1i. Rod I12 is connected with carriage I23 and bears a slot I13 providing a sliding connection with eccentric I'I0. Rod I14 is connected with carriage I21 and has a slot I15 for rotating eccentric I10. Eccentric I10 is connected by linkage I16 with recording pen I'I'I for actuation thereof. Pen IT! is adapted to move over record drum I18, shown particularly in Figs. 2 and 7. Record drum I18 is rotated by means of electric motor I80 through gear box I8I. Gear box I8I contains a reducing gearing so that drum I18 is rotated at a very low speed.

It will. now be obvious that recording pen Ii! is displaced over record drum I18 in response to the selective energization of electro-magnets I 06,

[Ill and I02 due to the connecting linkage between carriages I21, I23 and II 2, respectively, and recording pen I I1. Recording pen I I1 thus produces a permanent record on drum I18 showing the distance of an enemy submarine from the buoy as well as the length of time, each of carriages I21, I23 and II 2 is energized.

The buoy of the invention contains means for receiving sound and translating it into electric energy which is radiated to indicate the presence of a submarinenear the buoy. The apparatus for attaining this purpose is shown in the electric circuit diagram of Fig. 11. Transmitter 200 is also shown schematically in compartment 46 illustrated in Fig. 7. Transmitter M0 is electrically connected with loop antenna 66. One pole of electric battery MI is connected with transmitter 200 by lead 202. The other pole of battery 20I is connected by lead 203 with time switch 204, shown schematically only because time switches are well known to those skilled in the art. Time switch 204 contains electrical or mechanical means for opening and closing the electric connection between leads 203 and 205. Time switch 204 may e. g. contain a clock movement or it. may be controlled through transmitter 200.

Switch 206 is normally closed and connects lead 205 with connection 201. Lead 20'! is connected with the tape and spring contactor, indicated schematically at 268. Tape and spring contactor 208 corresponds to leaf spring H1, tape I 33 as shown in Fig. 6 and similar contactor leaf springs and tapes associated with carriages I23 and I21. Tape and leaf contactor 208 is connected with transmitter 206 through lead 2| 0.

Electro-magnets I 00, MI and I02 are selectively energized in dependence upon the intensity of the sound received by two microphones and amplifier arrangements 2 and 2I2. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, microphones I98 and I99 are arranged at the lower end of girders 22 to 29 at such a depth that they can efiectively pick up the sound produced by a submarine. Microphones 2| I and 2 I2 are connected in parallel with battery 2I3. The electric output of the two microphones is amplified as indicated schematically in Fig. 11. The amplified output of microphone and amplifier arrangements 2I I and 2!?! are connected in parallel and fed to relay 2M. Armature MS of relay 2M is provided with a rack 2 I6 cooperating with gear 2 I! to which contactor arm 2I8 is secured.

According to the intensity of the sound received by microphones I98 and I99, armature 255 is moved a larger or smaller distance into relay 2M causing a rotation of contactor arm 2 I8 through a larger or smaller angle.

One pole of battery 220 is connected with contactor arm 2| 8 through lead 22I. Spaced contactor segments 222, 223 and 224 are connected respectively with electro-magnets I62, HH and I06 through leads 225, 226 and 221. The electric circuit from battery 220 to electro-magnets E62, IOI and I06 is closed through lead 228, time switch 230 and lead 23I. Time switch 230 preferably is designed similar to time switch 204 and operates in unison therewith.

Switch 206 interposed into the electric circuit operating transmitter 200, is responsive to predetermined signals received by receiver 235. Receiver 235 is shown schematically in Fig. 8 and is connected with antenna 65. Receiver 235 is tuned to a prearranged wave length. If receiver 235 receives a predetermined sequence of code signals, selector relay 23! passes the output of receiver 235 onto relay 250 which then opens switch 206 to interrupt the circuit of transmitter 2G6. Motors 242 and 2 53 are connected in series with battery 2M. Motor 242 corresponds to motor I85 driving recording drum Ilil. Motor 263 corresponds to motor I53 driving shaft I59 for moving tapes Hi3, I60 and IGI.

Tapes I43, 60 and I6I are shown in detail in Fig. 10. The tapes may be made for instance of materials known under the trade names of Lucite, Plexiglas, Bakelite and the like insulating materials. Each tape I43, I60 and IGI bears six groups of perforations A, B, C, D, E and F in the example illustrated corresponding to predetermined code signals. Code signals A,

r B, C, Dv and E stand correspondingly for the designations db 68 m. Db 68 stands for the number of the buoy and m stands for miles. The last code signal F is different on each of the three tapes I43, I66 and I6I. Code signal F on tape I 23 stands for numeral 5. Code signal F on tape I stands for the figure 3 and code signal F on tape I6! stands for the figure 1, indicating the approximate distance of the received sound from the buoy.

It is of course to be understood that the coded perforations on the three insulating tapes could be chosen differently from the example illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, the electric mechanism illustrated particularly in Fig. 11 be changed to indicate other distances of the received sound from the buoy. To this end it would simply be necessary to redesign microphone and amplifier arrangement 2! I and 2I2.

The mode of operation of the electric mechanism illustrated in Fig. 11 will now be evident. Motors 242 and 243 are driven continuously by their battery 24L Hence, recording drum I28 as well as the three insulating tapes I23, I60 and I6I are rotated continuously. When a sound is picked up by microphones I98 and I96, it is properly amplified and causes energization of relay 2% corresponding to the intensity of the received sound. Relay 2M in turn connects one of the electro-magnets I00, I6! and I02 with battery 220, depending upon the angular position of contactor arm 2I8. Now, one of the three car riages H2, I23 and I2! is moved into its operative position below its associated tape. In case switch 206 is closed and time switch 204 permits the passage of current from battery 20! through tape and spring contactor 293, transmitter 209 radiates electric signals in a sequence corresponding to the perforations on the selected tape. Transmission of the code signals is interrupted after a predetermined period of time by time switch 204. Time switch 230 operates in unison with time switch 204 and deenergizes the selected over recording drum H8 in accordance with. the. energization of. the selected electro-magnet to produce a permanent record of the operation of thedevice;

In accordance with the invention it ispossible to interrupt the transmission of the coded signals when a friendly ship or submarine approaches the buoy. To this end, the friendly ship or submarine transmits. a. predetermined signal which is. received by receiver 235. The. output of receiver 235 is connected with relay 240 if the received message contains the. correct code signal through the intermediary of selector relay 231. Energization of relay 240v causes opening of switch 206, thus interrupting the electric circuit energiZing transmitter 20!).

Preferably a plurality of buoys is arranged at a. distance of less than the. maximum distance within which a sound is picked up and amplified by microphone and amplifier arrangement 2 and 2 l2. Thus it is possible to plot the approximate position and direction of movement of an enemy submarine if its presence is indicated by more than one buoy.

Various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction of the invention as described withoutv departing from the broader spirit: and scope thereof, set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A buoy having an electrical system comprising at least one microphone for picking up sound and translating it into electric energy, a first relay arranged for energization by said microphone with an intensity in dependence upon the intensity of the received sound; a plurality of switches a plurality of electro-magnets, each being in circuit with a current source and one of said switches, said switches being arranged for successive actuation by said first relay in dependence upon the intensity of the energizatio-n thereof; a transmitter for transmitting predetermined signals; a plurality of mechanical devices, each b ing associated with one of said electro-magnets and operable thereby, each of said devices including means for energizing said transmitter for transmitting a different signal and a receiver for receiving coded radio signals, a second relay connected with the output of said receiver, a further switch being normally closed and arranged in the circuit. of said transmitter, said further switch being arranged for actuation by said second relay, whereby said transmitter is disconnected from its current source when said receiver receives a predetermined coded signal.

2. A buoy having an electrical system comprising at least one microphone for picking up sound and translating it into electric energy, a first relay energized by said microphone with an intensity in dependence upon the. intensity of the received sound; a plurality of switches a plurality of electro-magnets, each, being in circuit with a current source and one of said switches, said switche being arranged for successive actuation by said first relay in dependence. upon the intensity of the energization thereof; a transmitter for transmitting predetermined signals; a plurality of mechanical devices, each being associated with one of said electro-magnelts and parable thereby, each of said devices including means for energizing said transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal; and a receiver for: receiving signals of a predetermined frequency, a selector relay, the output. of said receiver electrof-magnet." Recording .pen H1 is moved being. connected with said selector relay, a further relay connected with the output. of. said selectorrelay, a further switch normally closed and arranged in the circuit of said transmitter, said further switch being arranged to be attracted by said further relay, whereby said transmitter is disconnected from its current source. when. said receiver receives a predetermined signal.

3. A buoy comprising a transmitter, a device associated with said transmitter for the selective. energization thereof, said device including a plu-. rality of insulating perforated tapes, means'for moving said tapes, a plurality of electro-magnets, means for selectively energizing said electro-magnets, a plurality-of slidable carriages, each being associated with one of said electro-magnets and with: one of. said tapes; each of said. carriages being normally spaced from its associated tape and arranged to be attracted by its associated electro-magnet and displaced into a, position below one of said tapes, a spring contactor on each of said carriages in circuit with said transmitter, and a fixed contact above each of said tapes arranged for cooperation with one of said spring contactors, whereby, when one of said carriages is moved into the operative position bythe energization of its associated electro-magnet, its associated spring contactor contacts its fixed contact through the perforations in the associated tape for energizing said transmitter for predetermined periods of time.

4. A buoy comprising a transmitter, a device associated with said transmitter for the selective energization thereof, said device including a plurality of perforated tapes of insulating material, means for continuously advancing said tapes, a plurality of electro-magnets, means for selectively energizing said electro-magnets, a plurality of slidable carriages, each being associated with one of said electro-magnets and with one of said tapes, each of said carriages being normally spaced from its associated tape and arranged to be attracted by its associated electro-magnet and displaced into a position below one of said tapes, a spring contactor on each of said carriages in circuit with said transmitter, a fixed contact above each of said tapes arranged for cooperation with one of said spring contactors, whereby, when one of said carriages is moved into the operative position by the energization of its associated electro-magnet, its associated spring contactor contacts its associated fixed contact through the perforations in the associated tape for energizing said transmitter in dependence upon the perforations of the selected tape, a recording drum, means for rotating said recording drum, a recording pen, and a linkage between said recording pen and each of said carriages for moving said recording pen over said recording drum in dependence upon the displacement of the selected carriage.

5. In a waterborne fioat an electrical system comprising at least one microphone for picking up sound and translating it into electric energy, a relay energized by said microphone with an intensity in dependence upon the intensity of the received sound; a plurality of switches arranged for successive actuation b said relay in dependence upon the intensity of the energization thereof, a plurality of electro-magnets, each being in circuit with a current source and one of said switches; a transmitter for transmitting predetermined signals; and a plurality of mechanical devices, each being associated with one of said electro-magnets and operable thereby, each of said devices including means for energizing said transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal, each of said devices including an insulating perforated tape, means for moving said tape, a slidable carriage associated with said tape and with one of said electro-magnets, said carriage being normally spaced from its associated electro-magnet and arranged to be attracted thereby and displaced into a position below said tape, a. spring contactor on said carriage in circuit with said transmitter, and a fixed contact above said tape arranged for cooperation with said spring contactor for energizing said transmitter for predetermined periods upon displacement of said carriage.

MAURICE F. NEUHOF. 

